U.S. patent application number 10/273226 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-22 for method, computer program product and apparatus for implementing professional use of instant messaging.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Dunbar, Anthony Michael, Hintermeister, Gregory Richard, Rackham, DeVaughn Lawrence.
Application Number | 20040078435 10/273226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32092750 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040078435 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunbar, Anthony Michael ; et
al. |
April 22, 2004 |
Method, computer program product and apparatus for implementing
professional use of instant messaging
Abstract
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided
for implementing professional use of instant messaging. A flow of
an IM conversation is displayed. Responsive to identifying a user
selection to pair a response with a previous request, a user
entered response and a user selected previous request are sent.
Responsive to a user selection, a new topic is displayed in a new
view and a new IM conversation is started. When an IM conversation
is completed or a window is closed for the IM conversation; the IM
conversation is automatically saved. Responsive to a user
selection, another user is added to the IM conversation and a
window including the flow of the IM conversation is displayed to
the added user. An object can be linked to an IM conversation and
the IM conversation is automatically saved with the selected
object.
Inventors: |
Dunbar, Anthony Michael;
(Rochester, MN) ; Hintermeister, Gregory Richard;
(Rochester, MN) ; Rackham, DeVaughn Lawrence;
(Rochester, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Grant A. Johnson
IBM Corporation, Dept. 917
3605 Highway 52 North
Rochester
MN
55901-7829
US
|
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES
CORPORATION
ARMONK
NY
|
Family ID: |
32092750 |
Appl. No.: |
10/273226 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
709/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/107 20130101;
H04L 51/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/206 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
(IM) comprising the steps of: displaying a flow of an IM
conversation; identifying a user selection to pair a response with
a previous request, receiving a user entered response and a user
selected previous request; and sending the user entered response
following the user selected previous request.
2. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 1 includes the steps of identifying a user
selection to isolate a new topic.
3. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 2 includes the steps of receiving a user
selected request in the flow of the IM conversation and a user
selected new topic; and displaying the user entered request in a
new view and continuing a new IM conversation.
4. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 1 includes the steps of identifying a completed
IM conversation or a window closed for the IM conversation; and
automatically saving the IM conversation.
5. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 4 includes the steps of identifying a user
entered view conversations option; and displaying saved IM
conversations.
6. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 5 includes the steps of receiving a user
selection of a saved IM conversation; and continuing the selected
IM conversation.
7. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 1 includes the steps of identifying a user
selection to add another user to the IM conversation; and adding
another user to the IM conversation.
8. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 7 includes the steps of displaying a window
including the flow of the IM conversation to the added user.
9. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 8 includes the steps of displaying a selected
IM conversation and keeping other IM conversation private from the
added user.
10. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 1 includes the steps of identifying a user
selection, linking a selected object to an IM conversation.
11. A method for implementing professional use of instant messaging
as recited in claim 10 includes the steps of identifying a
completed IM conversation or a window closed for the IM
conversation; and automatically saving the IM conversation with the
selected object.
12. Apparatus for implementing professional use of instant
messaging comprising: a professional instant messaging management
program; said professional instant messaging management program
receiving user selections and displaying a flow of an IM
conversation; said professional instant messaging management
program identifying a user selection to pair a response with a
previous request, and sending a user entered response following a
user selected previous request; and said professional instant
messaging management program identifying a completed IM
conversation or a window closed for the IM conversation; and
automatically saving the IM conversation.
13. Apparatus for implementing professional use of instant
messaging as recited in claim 12 wherein said professional instant
messaging management program receives a user selected request in
the flow of the IM conversation and a user selected new topic; and
displays the user entered request in a new view and continues a new
IM conversation.
14. Apparatus for implementing professional use of instant
messaging as recited in claim 12 wherein said professional instant
messaging management program identifies a user selection to add
another user to the IM conversation; and adds another user to the
IM conversation.
15. Apparatus for implementing professional use of instant
messaging as recited in claim 14 wherein said professional instant
messaging management program displays a window including the flow
of the IM conversation to the added user.
16. Apparatus for implementing professional use of instant
messaging as recited in claim 12 wherein said professional instant
messaging management program identifies a user selection and links
a selected object to an IM conversation.
17. Apparatus for implementing professional use of instant
messaging as recited in claim 16 wherein said professional instant
messaging management program identifies a completed IM conversation
or a window closed for the IM conversation; and automatically saves
the IM conversation with the selected object.
18. A computer program product for implementing professional use of
instant messaging, said computer program product including a
plurality of computer executable instructions stored on a computer
readable medium, wherein said instructions, when executed by a
processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of: displaying
a flow of an IM conversation; identifying a user selection to pair
a response with a previous request, sending a user entered response
following a user selected previous request; identifying a completed
IM conversation; and automatically saving the IM conversation.
19. A computer program product as recited in claim 18 wherein said
instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to
perform the steps of: receiving a user selected new topic and a
user selected request in the flow of the IM conversation; and
displaying the user entered request in a new view and continuing a
new IM conversation.
20. A computer program product as recited in claim 18 wherein said
instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to
perform the steps of: identifying a user selection and linking a
selected object to an IM conversation; identifying a completed IM
conversation or a window closed for the IM conversation; and
automatically saving the IM conversation with the selected object.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the data
processing field, and more particularly, relates to a method,
apparatus and computer program product for implementing
professional use of instant messaging.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] As used in the present specification and claims, instant
messaging (IM) generally refers to interactive communications
between participants, particularly between business users, and is
not limited to any particular instant messaging system.
[0003] Instant messaging (IM) started as a quick little tool to
communicate simple conversations between two people. Now, however,
instant messaging has become a crucial communications tool for
business professionals.
[0004] Due to the change in the use of instant messaging, problems
have resulted that limit productivity, and more importantly, limit
how efficiently business professionals can work. Related, in the
current world of ISO 9000 quality audits, it is clear that informal
IM conversations do not help in the documentation of decisions and
issues.
[0005] Often it is confusing to have a conversation with a
co-worker through IM because many times multiple topics will come
up, and while responding to one question, a totally different
question will appear. Because current IM technology is just single
history based, questions and answers to different topics tend to
cross paths with each other and can become very confusing.
[0006] A need exists for improved mechanism for implementing
professional use of instant messaging.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A principal object of the present invention is to provide a
method, apparatus and computer program product for implementing
professional use of instant messaging. Other important objects of
the present invention are to provide such method, apparatus and
computer program product for implementing professional use of
instant messaging substantially without negative effect and that
overcome many of the disadvantages of prior art arrangements.
[0008] In brief, a method, apparatus and computer program product
are provided for implementing professional use of instant
messaging. A flow of an IM conversation is displayed. Responsive to
identifying a user selection to pair a response with a previous
request, a user entered response and a user selected previous
request are received. Then the user entered response is sent
following the user selected previous request.
[0009] In accordance with features of the invention, responsive to
identifying a user selection to isolate a new topic, a user
selected request in the flow of the IM conversation and a user
selected new topic are received. The user selected request is
displayed in a new view and a new IM conversation continues.
[0010] In accordance with features of the invention, responsive to
identifying a completed IM conversation or a window closed for the
IM conversation; the IM conversation is automatically saved.
[0011] In accordance with features of the invention, responsive to
identifying a user entered view conversations option; and saved IM
conversations are displayed. A user selection of a saved IM
conversation is received and the selected IM conversation is
continued.
[0012] In accordance with features of the invention, responsive to
identifying a user selection to add another user to the IM
conversation, another user is added to the IM conversation. A
window including the flow of the IM conversation is displayed to
the added user, while keeping other IM conversations private.
[0013] In accordance with features of the invention, responsive to
identifying a user selection, a selected object is linked to an IM
conversation. Responsive to identifying a completed IM conversation
or a window closed for the IM conversation; the IM conversation is
automatically saved with the selected object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention together with the above and other
objects and advantages may best be understood from the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention
illustrated in the drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagram representations
illustrating a computer system and operating system for
implementing methods for professional use of instant messaging in
accordance with the preferred embodiment;
[0016] FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are flow charts illustrating
exemplary steps for implementing professional use of instant
messaging in accordance with the preferred embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an object layout in
accordance with the preferred embodiment; and
[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a computer program
product in accordance with the preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Having reference now to the drawings, in FIGS. 1A, and 1B,
there is shown a computer or data processing system generally
designated by the reference character 100 for implementing methods
for professional use of instant messaging of the preferred
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, computer system 100 includes a
central processor unit (CPU) 102, a read only memory 103, a random
access memory 104, a display adapter 106 coupled to a display 108.
CPU 102 is connected to a user interface (UI) adapter 110 connected
to a pointer device and keyboard 112. CPU 102 is connected to an
input/output (10) adapter 114 connected to a direct access storage
device (DASD) 116 and a tape unit 118. CPU 102 is connected to a
communications adapter 120 providing a communications function.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1B, computer system 100 includes an
operating system 130 and a professional instant messaging
management program 132 for implementing methods for professional
use of instant messaging of the preferred embodiment. It should be
understood that the present invention is not limited to a computer
model with a single CPU, or other single component architectures as
shown in FIG. 1A.
[0021] In accordance with features of the invention, some problems
encountered in conventional instant messaging systems are solved.
Effectively working with multiple topics in a single conversation
is enabled for business professionals. Saving and continuing
conversations at a later time is enabled. Adding a third party to a
conversation already in progress, and providing the added third
party with the historical background needed to continue the
conversation are enabled. Often an IM conversation starts because a
user is working with an email or issue, for example, a Lotus Note
issue, has a question, then the user instant messages the author of
the email or issue. However, such IM conversations are totally
separate from the issue and a need exists to connect the
conversation with that issue. Associating a conversation with an
object, for example, a Lotus Notes issue, is enabled so that the
conversation is preserved, and in the future could be viewed and
even continued.
[0022] In accordance with a feature of the invention, professional
instant messaging management program 132 of the preferred
embodiment enables business professionals to effectively manage
multiple topics in a single conversation. During a IM conversation,
while typing a response, a separate question will come in. The user
will simply select the question he is answering first, and that
question will be displayed right before the response. For example,
if I respond to a previous question, the history would say "You
said: <insert question>" I say: <insert answer I just
typed>". This solves many problems because the user can quickly
associate responses with the proper questions.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, there are shown exemplary steps for
implementing professional use of instant messaging of the preferred
embodiment starting at a block 200. A single flow of an IM
conversation is displayed as indicated in a block 202. Checking for
a user selection to pair a response with a previous request is
performed as indicated in a decision block 204. If not, then the
sequential steps return as indicated in a block 210. When the user
selects to pair a response with a previous request, the user after
typing response, clicks the previous request to pair with the
response as indicated in a block 206. The response is sent with the
selected request displayed before the response as indicated in a
block 208. The result is that within the same flow, short detours
into separate topics can be easily clarified by a quick click of a
mouse. There is still one history, but clarity is gained by adding
context of identifying a particular original request. Then the
sequential steps return as indicated in a block 210.
[0024] In accordance with another feature of the invention,
professional instant messaging management program 132 of the
preferred embodiment enables business professionals to effectively
start a new topic and preserve a history of the new topic in a
single conversation. In some cases, two different topics are
significant enough that each needs to be treated independently, so
there needs to be a way to converse about two different topics at
the same time. This feature effectively implements one of the many
advantages of using IM over conventional ways to communicate. For
example, when are talking about a first topic # 1, a question is
asked about another area of work, a second topic # 2 that deserves
dedicated space or its own history so details are not lost. A user
selects that question in the user's history and selects "new
topic". Another pane appears in the current window with its own
history and place for input allowing for dedicated focus on a
conversation. The users can now converse about two different topics
at the same time and each topic will have its own dedicated history
and response space.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, there are shown exemplary steps for
implementing professional use of instant messaging of the preferred
embodiment starting at a block 300. A single flow of an IM
conversation is displayed as indicated in a block 302. Checking for
a user selection to isolate a new significant topic is performed as
indicated in a decision block 304. If not, then the sequential
steps return as indicated in a block 310. If the user selects to
isolate a new significant topic, the user selects the request in
the history and selects a new topic as indicated in a block 306.
The selected request is displayed in a new view and a new
conversation can be resumed as indicated in a block 308. All IM
conversations to a specific user are kept in one window, multiple
topics can be discussed with each topic having its own history and
separate view within the window so that confusion is avoided. A
separate topic is not lost in the middle of another topic. Then the
sequential steps return as indicated at block 310.
[0026] In accordance with another feature of the invention,
professional instant messaging management program 132 of the
preferred embodiment enables business professionals to effectively
continue IM conversations at a later time. Many times an IM
conversation starts and then ends. Later in the day, however, more
information is received and the same conversation is needed because
related history is already shown in the history of the first
conversation. In accordance with features of the preferred
embodiment, all conversations with users are automatically saved.
When a user sees the user list on the IM GUI, the user can right
click and select "view conversations". Previous IM conversations
with that user are displayed and the user can select one of the
stored previous IM conversations and continue the IM conversation.
The unique thing is that the history of the IM conversation is
preserved so both users in the conversation can see the history and
refers to it. Otherwise, by just clicking on the user, a new IM
conversation appears. There is a configurable option to modify how
many conversations are stored.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, there are shown exemplary steps for
implementing professional use of instant messaging of the preferred
embodiment starting at a block 400. A single flow of an IM
conversation is displayed as indicated in a block 402. Checking for
a completed conversation or window closed is performed as indicated
in a decision block 404. If not, then the sequential steps return
as indicated in a block 406. When the conversation ends or the
window is closed, the professional instant messaging management
program 132 automatically saves and dates the conversation as
indicated in a block 408. Also at block 408 a user can rename the
conversation, if desired. When the user needs to continue a past
conversation, the user selects another user's name and then selects
to view conversations, the user selects a particular IM
conversation to continue as indicated in a block 410. The selected
IM conversation history is displayed in the user's window, and when
a new entry is sent, the recipient receives the new entry as well
as the entire IM conversation history to gain the context of the
continued conversation as indicated in a block 412.
[0028] In accordance with another feature of the invention,
professional instant messaging management program 132 of the
preferred embodiment enables adding a third party to an IM
conversation already in progress. In conventional IM systems, when
a conversation is ongoing, and a third party is needed, a totally
new window must be created and the history from the original
conversation is lost. In accordance with features of the preferred
embodiment, when a third party is needed, a user will simply drag
another user onto a current IM conversation, the added party is
sent a request to participate in the conversation, then a window
showing the complete history of that conversation is shown to the
added user. In addition, with multiple separate topics provided for
IM conversations, a third party can be added to certain topics,
while other topics can be kept private.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 5, there are shown exemplary steps for
implementing professional use of instant messaging of the preferred
embodiment starting at a block 500. An IM conversation is in
progress as indicated in a block 502. Checking for a user selection
to add another user to the conversation is performed as indicated
in a decision block 504. If not, then the sequential steps return
as indicated in a block 506. If the user selects to add another
user to the conversation, the user selects the other user from the
user list and drags the user into the ongoing conversation as
indicated in a block 508. The added user is only added to selected
IM conversation, while other IM conversations are kept private as
indicated in a block 510. On the added user's screen, a window is
displayed complete with the history of the current IM conversation
so that the added user has the historical context of the topic as
indicated in a block 512.
[0030] In accordance with another feature of the invention,
professional instant messaging management program 132 of the
preferred embodiment enables linking IM with objects. This new
feature is called "chat about". For example, IM can be linked to
Lotus Notes email or issue, database entry, or any object viewable
from computer system 100.
[0031] A common problem with a conventional IM conversation is
regarding a Lotus Notes email or issue or database entry, and once
the conversation is done, either the whole text has to be copied,
or even worse, the history of the conversation is lost so the
results have to be typed into the object of conversation, the
email, issue, or the like. In accordance with features of the
preferred embodiment, a way to associate an IM conversation with an
object is provided. When the IM conversation is done, professional
instant messaging management program 132 automatically saves the
entire IM conversation history with that object so it can be viewed
later, or if the object is sent the IM conversation history is
attached to the object. These stored IM conversations can be
continued if there is more information to communicate, the IM
conversation history is continued in the same history and saved
with the object.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 6, there are shown exemplary steps for
implementing professional use of instant messaging of the preferred
embodiment starting at a block 600. A user views an issue, for
example, in a problem log as indicated in a block 602. The user has
a question regarding it and needs to chat with the creator.
Checking for a user selection for a conversation with another user,
such as the creator of the object, about the problem or issue is
performed as indicated in a decision block 604. The user selects
the object, then the user selects the "chat about" menu option and
the owner of the problem comes into view for the IM conversation as
indicated in a block 608. Also more users can be added to the IM
conversation as shown and described with respect to FIG. 5. The
conversation occurs and when completed, the history of the IM
conversation is automatically be stored with the issue or object as
an attached conversation as indicated in a block 610. Later, when
viewing the issue or object, "view conversations" is selected to
see the results stored with the object at block 610. If more
conversation is needed regarding the same topic, the user selects
view conversations to view past conversations and to continue so
that new information can be added to the IM conversation history
and the single topic is preserved as indicated in a block 612. When
the object is saved or restored, the IM conversations are preserved
with the object as indicated in a block 614.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown exemplary object
layout for implementing the chat about feature of instant messaging
of the preferred embodiment as illustrated and described with
respect to FIG. 6. Any object includes email, file, folder,
database, record, picture, and the like as indicated in a block
702. It should be understood that this chat about feature of the
invention can be extended to any object, document or file that is
on a shared computer, whether it be Lotus Notes, a mapped drive, or
a shared internet location. Attached to the object 702 includes
actions added to object, such as, view conversations, and chat
about as indicated in a block 704. Attached to the object 702
includes conversation list actions, such as continue conversation,
delete, print, and the like as indicated in a block 706. Attached
to the object 702 includes conversation storage, such as
conversation list, object owner or default conversation participant
as indicated in a block 708.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 8, an article of manufacture or a
computer program product 800 of the invention is illustrated. The
computer program product 800 includes a recording medium 802, such
as, a floppy disk, a high capacity read only memory in the form of
an optically read compact disk or CD-ROM, a tape, a transmission
type media such as a digital or analog communications link, or a
similar computer program product. Recording medium 802 stores
program means 804, 806, 808, 810 on the medium 802 for carrying out
the methods for implementing professional use of instant messaging
of the preferred embodiment in the computer system 100 of FIGS. 1A
and 1B.
[0035] A sequence of program instructions or a logical assembly of
one or more interrelated modules defined by the recorded program
means 804, 806, 808, 810, direct the computer system 100 for
implementing professional use of instant messaging of the preferred
embodiment.
[0036] While the present invention has been described with
reference to the details of the embodiments of the invention shown
in the drawing, these details are not intended to limit the scope
of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.
* * * * *